Astrid's ICAD swap - Part 1

Hello there my lovely followers - its great to have you here on this cool, rainy day!  I'm actually quite pleased its raining as I've been able to stay indoors and play without feeling a bit guilty!  I joined up to Astrid's ICAD swap and this is my first card and holder which has now been received so I can show it here.  The second one is on its way to Germany so will appear at a later date.  Great idea Astrid, I really enjoyed making these.

Here's the actual Index Card which is 5" x 3" so gives a bit more space than an ATC. I made mine from mountboard so I could slosh a bit more texture onto it without it buckling.  I embossed the dragonfly in gold first of all and that resisted the sprays of Dylusion Blue and White and Perfect Pearls Biscotti which gave it a lovely sheen not quite visible in the picture.  The swirl was made with grunge paste through a stencil and then rubbed with some treasure gold.  I adore that Jane stamp from the Oxford Impressions set Jane's Garden so you will see it a lot here but I liked the added texture on her dress done with some acrylic paint and squared mesh.  Tiny bees, a lovely sentiment and a brass corner to finish.  Then onto the cover:

This is the front and I don't know how I did it but each time I managed to get the opening on the wrong side!!  I must have dyslexic fingers I reckon but I was still pleased with the way it turned out.  Isn't that bird just gorgeous?  Some lovely old papers I managed to use on this and the edge was cut with a TH on the edge scroll die then rubbed with several colours of gilding wax for a metallic look.  Here's the back of the cover:

Some lovely lace with added pearls and a butterfly in recognition of my swap partner Alison who goes by the blog name of Butterfly.  I'm sure you all know her!

The inside was kept fairly simple with a little pocket to hold the card but again using those lovely papers I've had for such a long time:

And that's it.  Thanks for visiting and I hope you are having a better day weatherwise but if not, enjoying some crafting time like me.  Hugs, Margie xx